Courting Time

Chapter 3

Her pale blue blouse and jeans been replaced with a ruby red gown. The lining of the edges were sewn with gold silk and around her waist she wore a silver chain studded with emeralds. If she was dressed like this then so much Cal. If she was right Cal would be dressed the same as Robin, but as he was supposedly Will Scarlet, the colours Cal would be wearing would be red. Seeming Chloë had no idea where she was going it surprised her that she had found the main road. As she cam to the clearing in the distance she could hear the approach of hooves trampling along the dusty road. In her sight she saw two horses both with riders dressed in chain mail. From the attire she guessed they were guards at the Castle. Spotting Chloë on the road the two guards reined their steeds to a halt. As the horses stood still, she noticed they had been galloping at their fastest. Smokes of white breath puffed out of their nostrils and the sound of them neighing could be heard. One of the guards dismounted his horse. He bowed before speaking.             

"Lady Marian, you are wanted back at the Castle. Sir Guy has requested to have an audience with you."

Chloë curtsied back, however she noticed there were only two horses. She faced the guard who had spoken to her.            

"And how am I suppose to get back to the Castle? As you know the Castle is 20 miles and it is inappropriate for a lady to walk all the way."              

"That is why I am here to escort you back, my lady. You will be riding my horse." 

Offering Chloë his hand, she accepted the guard's offer and was gently lifted up into the saddle. With the guard who had giving her his horse leading and the second behind her, Chloë rode on to Nottingham Castle. As the two horses approached, Chloë witnessed a chaotic scene in front of her. Soldiers, guards and men of arms were running to and fro while a man dressed in black leather stood on the stone steps shouting orders. With so much commotion the sound of metal against metal and voices responding to the orders could be heard. By the look of his clothing and the manner in which the orders were being delivered, Chloë deduced that he was Sir Guy of Gisborne. Sir Guy had a notorious reputation for being ambitious, the same reputation as the Sheriff of Nottingham and while Sir Guy was a noble in his own right, he was known by the people of Nottingham and other neighbouring villages as the Sheriff's second in command. Everyone knew that while the Sheriff was in charge he never did any of the dirty work. All the tax collecting, killing and implementing fear amongst the villages was done by Sir Guy, at the Sheriff's orders, of course.

About to re-enter the Castle, Sir Guy saw Chloë. Seeing her, he ran down the steps towards her and the two guards. Reaching them Sir Guy signalled for them to leave with a quick jerk of his head. With just the two of them, Sir Guy helped Chloë dismount from the horse and nodded at the stable boy to lead the horse away back to the stables. Offering her his arm, Sir Guy led Chloë towards the Castle. As they walked, Sir Guy spoke.             

"Marian, where have you been? Your maid informed that you had not been seen since this morning."             

"Forgive me. I did not know I was not supposed to leave the Castle without permission."             

"You must be careful. The Nightwatchman has been spotted again and it is not safe for you to be out on the road alone."             

"It will not happen again, Sir Guy."

Chloë bowed her head in understanding. There was something about Sir Guy that made her feel safe and yet, deep down she knew he stood against everything she believed in. Finally, they came to the Great Hall where Chloë noticed there were two more guards. Seeing Sir Guy, the two guards stood to attention. The chain metal clinking on the stone floor.           

"Sir Guy." They said in unison.             

"Marian, these two guards are to be your escort. You are not to go anywhere without them." Sir Guy informed Chloë.          

" Is this absolutely necessary, Sir Guy?"            

"Of course. Sheriff's orders."

And with his response, Sir Guy left the Great Hall leaving Chloë alone with her escort. Once alone one of the guards lifted up his helmet. Chloë recognised the face immediately and then the other guard did the same too. Although she didn't recognise him she must have thought he was one of Robin's men.          

"Marian, let me introduce you to Much." Alan explained.

Much faced Alan with confusion written on his face.             

"What do you mean,  let me introduce you to Much?" he asked, " Marian knows who I am."

Alan was about to explain to his friend what had happened at their first meeting when Chloë interrupted him.             

"Of course, I know you, Much. Alan is just teasing you." she smiled. "What are you doing here?"  

"Robin asked us to keep an eye on you. He is certain the Sheriff is up to something." Alan responded.             

"I am well aware of that. But, I am more than capable of looking after myself." Chloë told them.

Turning around, she walked back out into the main hall. Alan and Much followed her out into the hall.             

"And where do you think you two are going?"             

"We have been instructed by Sir Guy to accompany you wherever you go." Alan reminded her.             

"Yeah, and so has Robin." Much quipped in.            

"Oh, no you're not. You two are to return to Robin and tell him that if he sends any of you to watch out for me it will be more than just the Sheriff and Gisborne wanting his head."

Nodding their heads in understanding the two outlaws sneaked off. Smiling to herself walked to her chambers. The day was nearly coming to an end and as she entered her room she saw a fired had been lit and the candles were burning. Seating herself on the four poster bed Chloë wondered whether or not she would get back to her time. As much as she loved being in the land of Robin Hood she did miss home. Closing her eyes for a few moments to get some rest, she was soon disturbed by a psst. Searching where the noise was coming from she soon found it was from the open window. Chloë heaved herself up from the comfortable position and slowly walked to the window. Leaning her hands against the window ledge she peered out. She could see nothing. Annoyed, she was about to retreat back inside when she heard the sound again. Once again she leaned out of the window but, then again she could see no one. It was when she was about to head back in that she felt a hand on hers and heard her name being called.